Joseph was taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center, where he later died.

Dutchess County officials, citing initial testing, believe Elone may have been bitten by a tick infected with Powassan encephalitis. The virus is untreatable and can be transmitted by a tick bite in a matter of minutes.

A recent study by the journal Parasites & Vectors shows 6 percent of ticks in the Hudson Valley carry a variant of the virus, according to The Poughkeepsie Journal. Researchers say the number is low compared to Lyme disease carriers, but it's also higher than expected.

"There are no diagnostic tests for the disease, and no treatments that are effective," said Dr. David Roth, co-chair of the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance.

Joseph Elone, a talented student and musician, was getting ready for his senior year of high school, with plans to apply early decision to Brown University.

"He's a kid who knew who he was," said Benedict Elone. "He had all kinds of ambition. Teachers couldn't stop speaking well of him."

"I just miss my son," he said in tears. "I just miss my son. I just miss my son."